Barbarita Guaymaran, the daughter of a merchant ship captain, lost her mother early and grew up in poverty under the care of an indigenous woman. Her first love was the young Asdrúbal, a crew member of the ship, and her father fell victim to a sailors' uprising; Barbarita herself was subjected to violence. Many years later, Doña Barbara, obsessed with hatred of men and known by the nickname "the man-eater," becomes a very influential woman and owner of a large estate. Fate brings her together with Santos, a lawyer and owner of the neighboring hacienda. Harsh lessons of life and love await them both.